Letting people know about the death
It can be hard to pass on the news of a death. You might find this information helpful.
If you are in the position of having to let friends and family know, there are two aspects to bear in mind: the practical challenge of getting in touch with a big group of people, and the emotional challenge of dealing with others’ reactions.
How to tell people
You may feel overwhelmed at the thought of passing on the news of a death, especially if you have a lot of people to tell and you want to tell them quite quickly.
- Make decisions about whether to tell people face-to-face or by phone
- If you have a large family or wide circle of friends, delegate some of the responsibility for passing on the news to those close to you
- If you don’t know how to phrase the news, just keep things simple
Dealing with reactions
In letting people know what has happened, you will have to deal with the grief of others as well as your own feelings.
Be prepared for the fact that people may not respond in the way you might expect, they may be embarrassed or say something awkward.
Advice & Support
We can guide and support you and your loved ones through this difficult time, but grief although normal, can affect people differently and can be tough without the right help.
Speaking to your GP and signing up for bereavement counselling may provide support during these emotionally difficult times.
There are a number of local and national support lines available to help you, whenever you need it:
A confidential and free service for both adults and children, offering one to one and group support for all types of bereavement.
Telephone: (01534) 285144
Email: bereavement@jerseyhospicecare.com
Website: www.jerseyhospicecare.com
Hospital Bereavement Counselling Service
Available for staff, patients and relatives
Telephone: (01534) 442116
The Bereavement and Loss Support Group
One to one meetings at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 19 Val Plaisant, St Helier.
Available to all islanders
Telephone: (01534) 874008
Cruse
Freephone national helpline offering emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement
Telephone: 0808 808 1677
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Web: www.cruse.org.uk
Confidential emotional support; 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Web: www.samaritans.org
